Water Entity Amendments

The Great Salt Lake Commissioner and the Office of the Great Salt Lake Commissioner are moved from an independent status to being within the Department of Natural Resources.

The Utah Lake Authority must now coordinate with the Department of Natural Resources at least monthly, and the water agent must also coordinate monthly with the Department.

The Great Salt Lake Trust Council's authority is changed from approving all grant expenditures to reviewing and approving only expenditures that exceed a specific threshold.

The Great Salt Lake Advisory Council composition is changed to include representatives from industry, aquaculture, and elected officials, replacing previous categories like mineral extraction and wastewater treatment facilities.

The Commissioner's duties are updated to require receiving input and recommendations from the Great Salt Lake Trust Council before making certain decisions.

The definition of 'Independent entity' is updated to explicitly include the Office of the Great Salt Lake Commissioner.

Moves the Great Salt Lake Commissioner and Office of the Great Salt Lake Commissioner from their current structure into the Department of Natural Resources, requiring the commissioner to report to the department's executive director.

Requires the Utah Lake Authority to coordinate monthly with the Department of Natural Resources and report annually on compliance with this coordination requirement.

Requires the Utah Water Agent to coordinate monthly with the Department of Natural Resources regarding water importation activities.

Requires the Great Salt Lake Trust Council to review and potentially approve expenditures by the water trust or grantee that exceed a threshold amount, ensuring oversight of significant spending.

Expands the Great Salt Lake Trust Council's authority to review expenditures by the Great Salt Lake Commissioner for water acquisition projects, requiring council approval before funds can be spent.

Removes the Office of the Great Salt Lake Commissioner, Utah Lake Authority, and Utah Retirement Systems from the list of entities classified as independent entities, meaning they will now be subject to different state oversight rules.

Sets a July 1, 2025 deadline for modifying the Great Salt Lake Watershed Enhancement Trust Grant Agreement to comply with new requirements.